Positives: I did live in Kodambakkam for a brief period immediately after college, and quite frankly, the sheer accessibility of the place was a life-saver. The highlight had to be the excellent connectivity; having the Kodambakkam Railway Station at the doorstep, along with the Vadapalani Metro a stone's throw away, made commuting throughout Chennai a piece of cake. Being situated in the heart of "Kollywood" also felt absolutely energetic. Negatives: But geez, the hype was there. The first thing I realised was that there was constant noise pollution, particularly in the midst of the busy film studios, which was something I could not really get used to. Second, the roads were clogged with traffic every time. Lastly, considering such a heavily populated central district, I wished there were more readily accessible green areas or parks.
Positives: I have just shifted to Kodambakkam, and the vibe here is amazing! It's like the centre of Chennai with a perfect combination of old-timeliness and business. The most wonderful thing is the incredible transport facility, having the railway station, bus stop, and Kodambakkam bridge so near makes travelling anywhere a breeze. I also adore the enormous range of local markets and cinema halls nearby. Negatives: But the jam is tiresome. The traffic on the main road, particularly around the bridge, is completely blocked throughout the day. Parking my scooter is a nightmare; there are no organised places. Moreover, as most buildings are old, the electricity tends to trip quite often, and getting good, clean piped water is surprisingly difficult. I am glad to be a resident of this area.
Positives: Kodambakkam Railway Station, numerous principal arterial roads such as Arcot Road, GST Road, Dr. Ambedkar Road, and good bus connectivity through MTC. Fatima Matriculation, Chhatrapathi Shivaji DAV, Loyola Matriculation and many more in close proximity. Medway Hospitals, along with clinics and multi speciality centres within close proximity. Numerous restaurants, cafes, stores in proximity. Negatives: First, traffic jam & congestion, Kodambakkam is congested, roads are narrow, especially in peak hours. Second, pollution & noise, noise from film production houses, constant traffic honking, and lack of green open spaces in some areas make peaceful living difficult. Also, premium housing cost is steep compared to some outer areas, it is difficult to find big flats at affordable cost.
Positives: The first time I passed by AVM Studios, I knew Kodambakkam was my home. I have a flat here and like staying at the centre of Chennai's cine world. Studios, post production houses, and vibrant street life infuse the area with a creative vibe. Kodambakkam railway station and a plethora of bus routes ensure mobility, while good schools, hospitals and shops are within reach. The locality is strategically located near Nungambakkam, Vadapalani and Ashok Nagar. Negatives: Things I observe are congestion and noise during shoots and peak times, and few parking spots on busy streets. Beyond these, I am an extremely satisfied owner with the community, pleasant neighbors and nice local restaurants. Good location and daily necessities make Kodambakkam a warm, lively and secure community to reside in.
Positives: There are multiple bus routes here, while the GST Road and Arcot Road are also pretty accessible. Local markets and essentials are all available within a radius of about 5 minutes from my house as well. I also love the fact that it has a rich Kollywood film history, with several studios still located here. I am also excited about the construction of the upcoming Chennai Phase 2 metro line here, which is already coming up. Negatives: Well, the only thing I can think of is the waterlogging in some pockets during the monsoons and plenty of traffic jams. These are the two issues that bug me at times.
Positives: I enjoyed being at the center of Kollywood, lots of studios and other film industry areas were nearby, which provided energy and character to the area. Kodambakkam station was convenient for local trains. Good schools, hospitals, and plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance. It was centrally located near Nungambakkam, T. Nagar, Ashok Nagar etc. Negatives: Traffic and congestion were prevalent, particularly on Arcot Road and Kodambakkam High Road. Most roads were rough, potholes, cracked, hazardous walking routes. Noise was intrusive, particularly from studio recordings, shoots or traffic till late in the night. Green or open public areas were scarce, living expenses and property prices higher side, these problems I experienced.
Positives: Relocating to Kodambakkam was like relocating to the centre of Kollywood itself, and as a renter, I would give it 4 stars due to the incredible convenience. Connectivity is great; the Kodambakkam Railway Station is hardly half a kilometre away, and the Vadapalani Metro and principal roads such as Arcot Road mean that travelling anywhere is a breeze. And we have iconic colleges, hospitals, and large shopping complexes such as Forum Vijaya Mall. Negatives: But for being so in the middle, it's outrageously packed. I also realised the negative aspects of the dense infrastructure pretty soon, such as waterlogging during heavy rainfalls, and noise pollution from the film studios and overall city chaos. Decent parking is also a problem most nights.